Korea Tourism Organization's Recommended August Destinations: 'Healing Forest' Attractions
[Asia Economy, Cho Yong-jun, Travel Specialist Reporter] The theme for recommended places to visit in August is 'Healing Forests.' Forests, which soothe the weariness of daily life and even boost immunity, are ideal places to calm bodies and minds tired from COVID-19. How about spending this summer vacation strolling through the forest while breathing in the refreshing air?
Due to possible sudden restrictions on entry caused by COVID-19, it is essential to check detailed information such as opening status, hours, and viewing methods before visiting.
◇ Remote Village Green Healing - Geommaksan Natural Recreation Forest and Yeongyang Birch Forest
Yeongyang, Gyeongbuk Province, is proud of its beautiful night sky stars and healing forests, having been selected as Asia's first International Dark Sky Park. Geommaksan Natural Recreation Forest, a dense forest bathing site filled with Korean red pines, is the epitome of phytoncides. Another charm of this recreation forest is that it is a 'reading forest.' Visitors can borrow books from the forest library and read anywhere in the forest. Also notable is that the forest allows pets. The recreation forest offers accommodations and camping sites where pets are welcome, as well as an outdoor playground for dogs.
Another healing forest located at the foot of Geommaksan is the Yeongyang Birch Forest. The 30.6-hectare birch forest, artificially planted around Jukpari in 1993, has grown into a mature young forest. Although there is no official opening, a roughly 2 km walking trail has been created, attracting visitors by word of mouth. For vehicles other than four-wheel drives, it is necessary to walk about 3.2 km to the forest entrance. However, the green trees and the sound of the clear valley water make the walk enjoyable.
At the Yeongyang Firefly Ecological Experience Village Special Zone along the Jangsu Pocheon riverside, you can visit the Yeongyang Firefly Observatory to see fireflies along with stars. Yeongyang Seoseokji (National Folk Cultural Property No. 108), a private garden from the Joseon Dynasty, and the five-story stone pagoda of Sanhaeri (National Treasure No. 187), standing tall against the backdrop of mountains and fields, are historical sites that preserve Yeongyang’s unique charm and beauty.
Contact: Geommaksan Natural Recreation Forest 054)682-9009 / Yeongyang Birch Forest 054)680-6412 (Yeongyang County Office, Culture and Tourism Division)
◇ Enjoy Healing and Therapy - Arobsan Forest and Busan Healing Forest
In Cheolma-myeon, Gijang-gun, there are Arobsan Forest and Busan Healing Forest, both great for healing walks. While Arobsan Forest is dense, Busan Healing Forest offers wide-open views and soothing scenery. Arobsan Forest, nurtured and preserved for nearly 400 years by the Nam-pyeong Moon family, is a 'mixed forest' featuring various tree communities such as Myeongjong bamboo, Korean red pine, cedar, and cypress, inspiring awe throughout the walk. It became popular as a filming location for the recently concluded drama
In Gijang-gun, the sea is indispensable. Particularly, in Jukseong-ri, Gijang-eup, there is Hwanghakdae, a place frequently visited by the exiled scholar Yun Seon-do; Jukseong Dream Set, loved as a drama filming location with beautiful and mysterious scenery; and the Jukseong-ri sea pine trees, which have stood guard overlooking the sea for 250 to 300 years (Busan Monument No. 50), all conveniently close to each other for sequential visits.
Contact: Gijang County Office, Culture and Tourism Division 051)709-4081
◇ Healing Power of a 100-Year-Old Pine Forest - National Daegwallyeong Healing Forest
The National Daegwallyeong Healing Forest is one of the forest welfare facilities operated by the Korea Forest Welfare Institute under the Korea Forest Service. The magnificent Korean red pine forest, planted from seeds sown in the 1920s, is a spectacular sight. The dense forest features eight trails of varying character and difficulty, including healing deck roads. Travelers can choose according to their preference, from the easy and relaxing 'Solhyanggi Healing Forest Trail' with rest and meditation spaces, to the wooden deck 'Healing Deck Road,' and even the most challenging 'Challenge Forest Trail.' Simply strolling among the tall pines and resting in the shade of the lush forest provides a sense of health. Customized forest healing programs guided by forest healing instructors are also available by reservation. Until the end of September, a program called 'Daegwallyeong Forest, Starry Night' (experience fee 10,000 KRW, reservation required) is held every Saturday night, allowing visitors to experience the cool sounds, scents, and breeze of the forest with all five senses.
Additionally, the Daegwallyeong Natural Recreation Forest, Korea’s first natural recreation forest, and the popular Daegwallyeong Old Road hiking trail are nearby. It is also good to visit SNS popular tourist spots such as Gangmun Beach, Sunggeut Beach, Sacheon Beach, the scenic coastal drive route Heonhwa-ro, and the complex cultural space Haslla Art World.
Contact: National Daegwallyeong Healing Forest 033)642-8651~2
◇ Walk, Reflect, and Heal - Gapyeong Gyeonggi-do Pine Scent Green Forest
Gapyeong Gyeonggi-do Pine Scent Green Forest (hereafter 'Pine Scent Green Forest') is located at an altitude of 450?600 meters on the slopes of Chukryeongsan and Seorisan Mountains, covering 153 hectares with about 52,000 pine trees over 80 years old, making it the largest scale in Korea. It features various forest trails including a suspension bridge and deck roads, the 'Sky Lake Trail' leading to the Sabang Dam, and a 5.8 km 'Dulle-gil' trail. Wherever you walk, you can see towering pine trees, and the forest offers free programs such as meditation, forest healing including Qi Gong, woodworking experiences (material costs separate), and forest interpretation programs. Pine Scent Green Forest is known as the forest recreation area in Gyeonggi-do with the highest average annual phytoncide concentration and was selected as one of the 'Top 100 Untact (Contactless) Tourist Destinations' by the Korea Tourism Organization and local tourism organizations. This place, perfect for walking, reflecting, and healing, is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with entrance fees of 1,000 KRW for adults, 600 KRW for youths (ages 13?18), and 300 KRW for children (ages 7?12). It is closed on Mondays for COVID-19 prevention.
When traveling to Gapyeong, it is also good to visit the quiet Noksu Valley connected to Jojongcheon Stream, Music Station 1939 (some indoor areas restricted), which transformed from the old Gapyeong Station into a music village, and Jaraseom Namdo, where flower garden trails are gaining popularity.
Contact: Gyeonggi-do Pine Scent Green Forest 031)8008-6769
◇ Flowers, Butterflies, and Healing Time in the Forest - National Jecheon Healing Forest
Located at the foot of Geumsusan Mountain, the National Jecheon Healing Forest has completed three years of renovation and officially started welcoming visitors this year. Forest healing programs such as Forest Harmony, Healing Forest Therapy, and Oriental Medicine Healing Forest Therapy are so popular that group visitors come daily. Programs vary depending on participants and group size. Among them, Forest Harmony, which includes health measurement, tea therapy, and forest crafts, does not require a reservation, but other programs must be reserved at least a week in advance via the website or phone. The forest trails are pleasant to walk even without participating in healing programs. The herb garden where medicinal herbs like Aralia elata and Acanthopanax grow, the Health Healing Forest Trail, Forest Scent Healing Forest Trail, and Negative Ion Healing Forest Trail, all filled with phytoncides, are open year-round free of charge.
There are many attractions and experiences around the National Jecheon Healing Forest. For those wanting to extend their healing time, the nearby Jecheon Wild Herb Village offers healthful herb experiences. Cheongpung Lake, known as the 'Inland Sea,' can be toured by large cruise ships or cable cars. Climbing to Geumsusan Jeongbangsa Temple, founded by the Silla-era monk Uisang, offers a unique view of the small mountain temple nestled below cliffs and the lake scenery.
Contact: National Jecheon Healing Forest 043)653-9871
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